A new support group for people in Hertfordshire with lung disease has been set up.

The group, organised by The Hospice of St Francis with the backing of the British Lung Foundation, for sufferers of pulmonary fibrosis.

It aims to gives those with the condition, and their families, the chance to meet others, share information and access professional support and advice as well as discuss ways to alleviate symptoms with a specialist nurse and specialist physiotherapist team.

The meetings will be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at the hospice’s wellbeing Spring Centre from 11am to 1pm.

Anyone with the disease is welcome to attend the free sessions.

Manisha Cook, physiotherapist at The Hospice of St Francis, said: "We already have five people coming to our regular group for those affected by pulmonary fibrosis.

"Compared to other diseases like cancer, there is often a lack of community assistance for people with this rare condition and few specialist nurses so we wanted to set up a dedicated group to provide much-needed support.

"Alongside advice from our experienced clinicians and physio team, one of the huge benefits of the group is the opportunity for those with the disease to meet, and chat, with others in a similar situation in a relaxed, friendly environment, sharing information and stories.

"The sessions are completely free to attend and anyone interested in finding out more is welcome to get in contact with me."

For further information about the group, people can email springcentre@stfrancis.org.uk or call Manisha Cook on 01442 869550.